Ellwood Mesa Project Update - November 17

City of Goleta sent this bulletin at 11/17/2017 02:44 PM PST

In September 2017, the City of Goleta obtained an emergency
permit from the California Coastal Commission for tree removal work on the Ellwood
Mesa. On November 29, 2017, twenty-four dead or dying trees in the Goleta
Butterfly Grove will be removed. Click to view the permit and application.

BACKGROUND:

As you may know, the Goleta City Council held two meetings in
early September to discuss the future of the dead and dying trees on the
Ellwood Mesa. After hours of public testimony and deliberation, the
Council supportedan option to remove a minimal number of trees
around three key trails to provide beach access from several locations on the
Mesa. The tree removal locations and trails map can be found here. These trails are referred to as Trail 6,
Trail 18 and Trail 25 in the General Plan. All other trails remain
closed.

The Ellwood Main Monarch Aggregation Site (aka Goleta Butterfly
Grove) and other aggregation areas on the Ellwood Mesa will remain closed
indefinitely.

The City is continuing work on the Monarch Butterfly Habitat
Management Plan and will provide regular updates on the status and
opportunities for the public to provide input on this important project.